Letter From the Editor

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” –Robert Frost

Dear Readers,

With summer a distant memory, it’s time once again for parents to gear up for all the changes this time of year brings. Perhaps, like me, you’ll be setting your alarm a bit earlier as your child moves on to middle or high school. Maybe you’re sending your firstborn – or your youngest – off to preschool or kindergarten. Either way, this time of year brings promise, opportunity and change – and for some – mixed emotions.

Faithful readers of Lehigh Valley Marketplace will know from reading my letter last year that this is my favorite time of year.  There is something about September that has always inspired me. As a child, I loved going back to school: just the idea of picking out a new pencil case and putting a stack of “loose-leaf paper” (remember that?) in a new binder was enough for the bookworm in me to do cartwheels (figuratively, that is). And once it was time for high school, I made every effort to convince my mom that I needed all the cool back-to-school clothes that the teen magazines were featuring.

Whether you’re sending a child off to school this fall or you’re thinking about starting a new project, we have lots to inspire you in this issue. If you’re in the mood for a home-improvement project that will boost your productivity, read Nancy Moffett’s, “Organizing your Home Office.” If you’re looking for employment and need to polish your skills before reentering the job market, take a look at Andy Cook’s “Market Yourself with In-Demand Skills” and find out how our local community colleges and business schools can help you meet your goals. In “Choosing a Tutor,” Mary Beth Schwartz helps us navigate the best fit to help our children learn, and intern Angelina Sanchez shares her nuggets of wisdom in “Planning the Perfect College Visit.”

Of course, there are other lessons that can only be learned outside the classroom. Here are some of the tidbits I’ve collected along the way; ones that I’m passing along to my two daughters:

• I don’t care what the ads say: jeans are for skinny girls.

• There’s nothing sweeter than a child who takes the time to say, “thank you” without being prompted.

• Go easy on your parents–they’re doing the best they can. When you become one, you’ll understand what I mean.

• Use sunscreen year-round. When you’re 40, you’ll thank me.

• The only person who can make you happy is you.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned this year? E-mail me or take our September survey at lehighvalleymarketplace.com. I want to know – because you live here!

Christine A. Krahling – Editor

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